Integrated sanitizing system for a household appliance

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a system adapted to implement at least one accessory sterilisation / sanitisation function of the objects arranged inside a household appliance (1, 3). Said integrated sanitisation system comprises at least one sanitisation device (2) comprising at least one antibacterial generator (2) equipped with at least one ultraviolet lamp or LED (20) and at least one container body (22).

Description

[0001] INTEGRATED SANITIZING SYSTEM FOR A HOUSEHOLD

[0002] APPLIANCE

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is an integrated system adapted to limit the bacterial and / or virological proliferation and contamination in a household appliance, particularly in washing and / or drying machines for fabrics, dishes, and objects of various type and / or nature.

[0005] More precisely, the object of the present invention is an integrated sanitisation device for domestic and / or industrial dishwashers, washing machines, and / or dryers, that uses the UVC and / or UVA LED technology to effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents present in the components or inner parts thereof and / or on fabrics, dishes, or objects being washed and / or dried.

[0006] The invention therefore falls within the sector of household appliance manufacturing, preferably in the field of washing machines, washer-dryers and / or dryers and / or dishwashers.

[0007] Washing machines, and / or dryers, and / or dishwashers are common household appliances in homes and industrial environments and used to clean and / or dry dishes or fabrics such as clothes, sheets, towels, or similar items.

[0008] Very often, said fabrics or dishes, as well as water and / or air respectively used for the washing or drying thereof, may become contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents, resulting in unpleasant odours, allergic reactions, or even illnesses.

[0009] Such microorganisms may also spread and contaminate certain components or inner parts of said household appliances, further amplifying the aforementioned hygienic and sanitary problems and / or compromising the quality and effectiveness of the washing and / or drying processes they implement.

[0010] To limit such problems, the use of sanitising devices strategically placed within the household appliance is already envisaged.

[0011] For example, ultraviolet generators integrated into the flange of the electrical resistance adapted to heat the washing water in the tub of a washing machine and / or washer-dryer, or an installation thereof on the sensor for the detection of the temperature of the same washing water may be envisaged.

[0012] Such ultraviolet generators, especially when integrated into said electrical resistance or temperature sensor, do not allow for an effective and direct sanitisation of the fabrics present in the drum of the washing machine and / or of the washer drier, nor the elimination of possible bacteria, mould, fungi, or similar pathogenic agents “nested” in those parts / components of the household appliance that are difficult to reach by the sanitising effect.

[0013] Furthermore, said ultraviolet generators cannot be used in the heat pump dryers which, for energy-saving reasons, are instead becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

[0014] In said machines, in fact, the heating of the drying air is ensured by a refrigeration circuit replacing the traditional electrical resistances, while, since they do not imply the use or the circulation of water (other than that of condensation, to be collected in special trays or to be drained), the use of a water temperature sensor is generally not contemplated.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by designing an integrated system adapted to improve the sanitisation of one or more inner components / parts of a household appliance, preferably a washing machine and / or dryer and / or dishwasher, and / or the decontamination of the objects, loaded therein, from bacteria, viruses, or similar pathogenic microorganisms.

[0016] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to implement in a known household appliance, an integrated sanitisation system for the inner components / parts and / or the fabrics and / or dishes thereof loaded therein, without this requiring substantial modifications to the structure and basic components thereof.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide for an integrated sanitisation system that is efficient, economical, reliable, and that eliminates, or at least reduces, the use of chemical disinfectants, contributing to a greater environmental sustainability.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide for a kit for the aforementioned sanitisation that may be easily integrated into a household appliance, allowing for the upgrading or the retrofitting thereof.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide for a household appliance, preferably a washing machine and / or dryer, and / or dishwasher, capable of integrating said device for the sanitisation of one or more of its inner components / parts and / or the fabrics or dishes, or products loaded therein.

[0020] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention, with the features listed in the annexed independent claim 1.

[0021] Further features of the present invention shall be better highlighted by the following description of one or more preferred embodiments, in accordance with the patent claims and illustrated, purely by way of a non-limiting example, in the annexed drawing tables, wherein:

[0022] - Figure 1 schematically shows a section view of the sanitisation system according to the invention in accordance with a possible executive embodiment;

[0023] - Figure 2 schematically shows a front view of a household appliance integrating the integrated sanitisation system according to the invention, in accordance with a first possible executive embodiment, said household appliance comprising a washing machine or a dryer, or the like;

[0024] - Figure 3 schematically shows a front view of a household appliance integrating the integrated sanitisation system according to the invention, said household appliance comprising a dishwasher, or the like.

[0025] The integrated sanitisation system of the invention for the elimination of bacteria, viruses, or similar microorganisms and pathogenic agents that may “contaminate” one or more inner parts or components of a household appliance and / or the contents thereof is now described according to one or more executive embodiments using the references contained in the attached figures,

[0026] With the purpose of highlighting some features instead of others, not necessarily what described in the figures is to scale. It is also noted that any dimensional and spatial term (such as “lower”, “upper”, “inner”, “outer”, and the like) refers to the positions of the elements as shown in the attached figures, without any limiting intent relative to the possible operating conditions.

[0027] In the present description, as already partially anticipated, explicit reference shall be made to an integrated sanitisation system for fabrics, hereinafter also referred to as “laundry” and / or inner components / parts of a generic washing machine and / or dryer, although nothing prevents the possibility of extending the use thereof also to other sectors, e.g., to that of dishwashers, for domestic or industrial use.

[0028] The integrated sanitisation system of the present invention may be therefore integrated into all those household appliances that provide for heating the washing water and / or drying air (hereinafter referred to, for simplicity, as “service fluids”) of objects of various nature or type (e.g., the aforementioned fabrics or laundry or dishes).

[0029] Without any limiting intent, the integrated sanitisation system of the present invention may also be used in those household appliances that already provide for other known sanitisation systems and modes of said service fluids, so as to increase the sanitising effectiveness thereof.

[0030] In particular, as shall be seen, the integrated sanitisation system according to the present invention may be widely used in those household appliances that already provide for sanitising ultraviolet generators integrated into the electrical resistances or water temperature sensors. With reference to the accompanying figures, numeral 1 or 3 indicates a generic domestic or industrial household appliance which, as anticipated, may comprise washing machines, dryers, washer-dryers, dishwashers, or in general any household appliance subject to bacterial proliferation phenomena and / or the onset / spread of viruses and pathogens.

[0031] In general, the present invention relates to a retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance 1, 3, said kit being adapted to implement at least one accessory function for said household appliance 1, 3, said accessory function providing for at least one sterilisation / sanitisation function of the objects placed inside said household appliance 1, 3.

[0032] More specifically, the present invention relates to a retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance 1, 3, configured to be installed in said household appliance 1, 3 and comprising an integrated system capable of implementing at least said sterilisation / sanitisation function.

[0033] For the sake of clarity, retrofitting refers to the application of the kit to household appliances already on the market or even already sold and installed, while upgrading generally refers to a technical and / or functional improvement intervention carried out during the design and / or production step, for example directly in the factory, on products still under development before being released to the market.

[0034] The integrated system preferably uses the ultraviolet technology to effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents present on fabrics or dishes during the washing or drying process.

[0035] For such purpose, the integrated system comprises at least one sanitisation device 2, advantageously placed inside the washing or drying tub of said household appliance 1, 3, which emits high-intensity ultraviolet radiations during the operating cycle, for example washing or drying, ensuring a hygiene / sanitising action on the treated fabrics / dishes.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the sanitisation device 2 may consist of at least one antibacterial generator 2 comprising at least one ultraviolet lamp or LED (Light Emitting Diode) 20, for example of the UVA or UVC type, both having at least a sanitising and bactericidal action.

[0037] It should be noted that the sanitisation device 2, in particular the antibacterial generator 2 thereof, may comprise two or more ultraviolet LEDs 20, possibly homogeneous with each other, i.e., all of the UVA or UVC type, or heterogeneous with each other, i.e., one of the UVA type and one of the UVC type, so as to increase the sanitising power and the irradiated surface and / or increase the spectrum of the ultraviolet rays used / emitted.

[0038] It should also be noted that the UVC ultraviolet rays are not visible and have a high bactericidal action, while the UVA ultraviolet rays interact with some types of dirt, generating a luminescent effect that allows for checking, visually and real-time, the efficiency of the washing or of the operating cycle in progress.

[0039] The sanitisation device 2 may further comprise lamps or lighting LEDs 21 having essentially only a lighting function.

[0040] For example, the sanitisation device 2 may also comprise lighting LEDs 21 having a white light, capable of illuminating the interior of the household appliance 1, 3, such as for example the washing tub / drum in the case of a washing machine 1, or a blue light, capable of illuminating the objects and making any dirt residues more visible, or a combination thereof.

[0041] Nothing prevents said lighting LED 21 from also comprising the aforementioned ultraviolet LED UVA 20, thanks to the pleasant bluish lighting effect thereof.

[0042] For a more effective assessment of the dirt, it is possible to enhance the luminescent effect by combining the use of said ultraviolet LEDs UVA 20 with:

[0043] - said lighting LEDs 21, particularly those having a blue light, and / or

[0044] - suitable detergents or chemical additives.

[0045] Such combination allows for highlighting different dirt stains, caused for example by 1 proteins (food, blood, urine, sweat, milk and other products of human / animal / vegetable origin stains), pigments (fruit, vegetable, wine, coffee, and other dye stains), oils, and / or greases (oil, grease, cosmetics stains, etc.).

[0046] In general, therefore, the sanitisation device 2 may advantageously comprise different types of lamps or LEDs, including at least one ultraviolet type adapted to implement the sanitisation function.

[0047] Therefore, said sanitisation device 2, using at least one ultraviolet LED 20, allows for the emission of a light:

[0048] - having an antib acterial / germi ci dal effect, and / or;

[0049] - having a luminescent effect that highlights possible dirt or grease stains, otherwise not visible, and highlights the washing efficiency and dynamics and the hygiene achieved, and / or

[0050] - aesthetically pleasing.

[0051] Preferably, the integrated system may further comprise and / or be configured to cooperate / communicate with a smart management system capable of controlling the sanitisation device 2, in particular the ultraviolet 20 and lighting 21 LEDs thereof.

[0052] In essence, said smart management system is capable of regulating at least the intensity and / or the duration of the ultraviolet exposure / emission according to the type of object to be treated (fabrics, dishes, or the like) and / or the level of contamination / dirt, for example, set by the user via a user interface or control panel, ensuring an effective treatment without damaging the same objects.

[0053] According to different executive embodiments, said smart management system may therefore consist of:

[0054] - the control unit already provided for by the household appliance 1, 3, or

[0055] - an autonomous and independent dedicated control unit, preferably included in said kit, possibly connected or communicating with that of the household appliance 1, 3 and / or with the user interface or control panel.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the operation of the sanitisation device 2 advantageously occurs in synchrony with the operating cycle of the household appliance 1, 3.

[0057] During the operating cycle, the ultraviolet LEDs 20 are activated so as to emit high-intensity ultraviolet radiations capable of eliminating / reducing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents present. Once the operating cycle is complete, the smart management system deactivates the provided sanitisation device(s) 2, ensuring maximum user safety.

[0058] According to the invention, therefore, it is envisaged to replace the lamps currently used to illuminate the washing tub of a washing machine 1 or dishwasher 3, or the drying tub of a dryer, by means of a sanitisation device 2.

[0059] As anticipated, the sanitisation device 2 may implement both a sanitising and lighting function and may be advantageously installed in the housing seats currently arranged for said lamps.

[0060] It is therefore clear that the integrated system according to the present invention, by replacing the lamps currently used, may provide a sanitisation function, possibly maintaining that of lighting, without requiring particular modifications to the structure / geometry of the household appliance 1, 3.

[0061] Preferably, the ultraviolet LEDs 20 used are selected for their high efficiency in the production of germicidal ultraviolet radiations, thus optimising the effectiveness of the sterilisation without compromising the integrity / safety of the treated objects.

[0062] For example, the ultraviolet LEDs 20 UVC may be selected for their high efficiency at wavelengths comprised between 200 and 280 nanometres.

[0063] In figure 1, shown as a non-limiting example, the sanitisation device 2 comprises:

[0064] - at least one LED or ultraviolet source 20, preferably of the UVA or UVC type; and

[0065] - at least one LED or lighting source 21 :

[0066] - having a white light or blue light, or both, and / or, as shown,

[0067] - of the UVA type, given the pleasant lighting effect thereof as well as luminescent and / or sanitising.

[0068] It should be noted that generally, the glass or plastic of the porthole of a washing machine or dryer is not transparent / permeable to UVC rays, making them harmless to people or animals, while it is transparent or permeable to the blue or white light, making them visible from the outside; glass or plastic of said porthole are transparent also to UVA rays, not harmful to people or animals.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said sanitisation device 2 comprises at least one container body 22, suitably and variously shaped, within which the LEDs 20, 21 provided for by said sanitisation device 2 are housed.

[0070] Preferably, the container body 22 may comprise:

[0071] - at least one portion 200, preferably the apical one, transparent / permeable to the ultraviolet radiation so as to allow the passage thereof and adapted to house at least said ultraviolet LED 20, said portion 200 being that oriented, at least in operating conditions, towards the washing or drying tub,

[0072] - at least one base 201, opposite the aforementioned apical portion 200, comprising a connector 23, e.g., a plug-in connector, for the electrical power supply of at least said ultraviolet LED 20 or, in general, of the provided LEDs 20, 21.

[0073] Nothing prevents a container body 22 from being made entirely transparent / permeable to the ultraviolet radiation, so as to allow a free positioning of the ultraviolet LED 20 and still ensuring the passage of the ultraviolet radiation.

[0074] In general, said sanitisation device 2, in particular the container body 22, has a shape and geometry configured for the insertion and fixing of said sanitisation device 2 in at least one suitable housing seat (not explicitly shown) arranged on the appliance 1, 3.

[0075] According to possible executive embodiments, said housing seat may:

[0076] - be suitably obtained on the body or components of the household appliance 1, 3; or

[0077] - in case of retrofitting, advantageously consist of the housing seat already arranged on the household appliances, for example for the installation of lighting lamps or the like; in such a case, it is extremely simple to replace the lamp according to the prior art with the integrated system according to the present invention by using seats already provided for.

[0078] Preferably, the container body 22 has a cylindrical geometry, and said base 201 may be equipped with a fixing / locking flange or collar 210.

[0079] Such a configuration allows for a simple and easy insertion and fixing of the sanitisation device 2 in said housing seat.

[0080] Figure 2 shows, by way of a non-limiting example, a washing machine and / or dryer 1 integrating said integrated system provided with one or more sanitisation devices 2 according to the invention.

[0081] In general, said washing machine and / or dryer 1 may comprise, as illustrated in figure 2, at least: a body 10 housing therein at least one tub (not shown), a porthole 11, comprising the corresponding door 12, for loading the laundry to be washed and / or dried into the rotating drum 13, a user interface 14 for setting the washing and / or drying processes of the laundry (please note that the list of components provided here is not exhaustive and only includes those that are essential for the comprehension of the present invention).

[0082] As is known, a washing machine is a household appliance used to wash fabric items such as clothes, sheets, towels, or the like.

[0083] However, during the normal washing process, fabrics may become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents that may cause unpleasant odours, allergic reactions, or even illnesses.

[0084] The integrated sterilisation system according to the present invention exploits the germicidal properties of the ultraviolet radiations to effectively eliminate such pathogenic agents during the washing cycle.

[0085] For such a purpose, at least one sanitisation device 2 is installed inside the drum of the washing machine 1, placed so as to uniformly illuminate / irradiate the surface of the fabrics during washing.

[0086] It should be noted that, in order to increase the sanitising power or the irradiated surface / area, it is possible to arrange a plurality of sanitisation devices 2.

[0087] As anticipated, the housing seat of a sanitisation device 2 is appropriately obtained on the body or components of the household appliance 1, preferably in the proximity of the porthole 11 or the frame that defines it and / or the gasket provided for on said frame. In figure 2, letter “A” shows, by way of a non-limiting example, the optimal position for the positioning of one or more sanitisation devices 2 in a generic washing machine or dryer 1.

[0088] In essence, it has been found advantageous to place the one or more sanitisation devices 2 in the upper / top part of the porthole 11 because such an arrangement allows, for example:

[0089] - illuminating the laundry from above, facilitating the possible visual check by the user through the door 12;

[0090] - facilitating the electrical connection with the user interface 14 or generally with the power supply, reducing the length of the electrical wiring;

[0091] - facilitating the possible maintenance / replacement intervention of the sanitisation device 2.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the operation of the sanitisation device 2 occurs in synchrony with the operating cycle of the household appliance 1, i.e., the washing cycle, especially at low temperatures, in the case of a washing machine, or the drying in the case of a dryer.

[0093] Figure 3 shows, by way of a non-limiting example, a dishwasher 3 integrating said integrated system provided with one or more sanitisation devices 2 according to the invention.

[0094] In general, said dishwasher 3 may comprise, as illustrated in figure 3, at least: one body 30 adapted to define a washing chamber 300, wherein the dishes are positioned on appropriate means and / or baskets for the washing and drying process, one door 31 for loading / unloading the dishes, one user interface 32 for the settings of the washing processes (it should be noted that the list of components provided here is not exhaustive and concerns only those essential to the comprehension of the present invention).

[0095] As anticipated, the housing seat for each sanitisation device 2 is appropriately obtained on the body of the dishwasher 3, preferably it is obtained on the sides and / or ceiling of the washing chamber 300.

[0096] In figure 3, letter “B” shows, by way of a non-limiting example, the optimal position for positioning one or more sanitisation devices 2 in a generic dishwasher.

[0097] In essence, it has been found advantageous to place one or more sanitisation devices 2 in the upper / top portion of the washing chamber 300, preferably on the side walls or sides thereof.

[0098] The integrated sterilisation system according to the present invention therefore allows for effectively eliminating / reducing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic agents present on fabrics or dishes, improving the hygiene and safety of the washed / dried items.

[0099] Said integrated sterilisation system, by eliminating / reducing pathogenic agents, reduces or eliminates the use of chemical disinfectants, thus contributing to a greater environmental sustainability and lower operating costs.

[0100] Finally, the integrated system is designed to be easily integrated into already existing or in production household appliances (even for the most recent heat pump dryers), allowing for a simple and convenient update for the users.

[0101] In conclusion, the integrated sterilisation system for household appliances represents a significant innovation in the field of item washing / drying, offering an effective solution for improving domestic or industrial hygiene.

[0102] It is also clear that in the practical embodiment of the invention, numerous modifications and further variants may be provided for, all falling within the same inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) subject to bacterial proliferation phenomena and / or the onset / spread of viruses and pathogens, said kit being configured to be installed in said household appliance (1, 3) and to implement at least one accessory function for said household appliance (1, 3), characterised in that it comprises an integrated system comprising at least one sanitisation device (2) comprising at least one antibacterial generator (2) equipped with at least one ultraviolet lamp or LED (20) and at least one container body (22), said accessory function providing for at least one sterilisation / sanitisation function for the objects arranged inside said household appliance (1, 3).

2. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said integrated system further comprises a smart management system able to control said sanitisation device (2), said smart management system consisting of a dedicated control unit.

3. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said integrated system is configured to cooperate / communicate with a smart management system able to control said sanitisation device (2), said smart management system consisting of the control unit already provided for by said household appliance (1, 3).

4. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to any previous claim, wherein said container body (22) is provided with:- at least one portion (200) transparent / permeable to the ultraviolet radiation and adapted to house at least said ultraviolet lamp or led (20),- at least one base (201) comprising a connector (23) for the electrical power supply of at least said ultraviolet lamp or led (20).

5. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to the previous claim, wherein said sanitisation device (2), in particular said container body (22), provides for a shape and geometry configured for theinsertion and fixing of the said sanitisation device (2) in at least one housing seat of said household appliance (1, 3), said housing seat being able to:- be obtained on the body or components of the said household appliance (1, 3); or- in case of retrofitting, consist of the housing seat already arranged on the household appliances for the installation of lighting lamps or the like.

6. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to any previous claim, wherein said antibacterial generator (2) comprises at least one ultraviolet LED (20) of the UVA or UVC type.

7. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to the previous claim, wherein said antibacterial generator (2), comprises two or more ultraviolet LEDs (20), possibly homogeneous with each other, i.e. all of the UVA or UVC type, or heterogeneous with each other, i.e., one of the UVA type and one of the UVC type.

8. Retrofitting or upgrading kit of a household appliance (1, 3) according to any previous claim, wherein said sanitisation device (2) further comprises also lamps or lighting LEDs (21) having a lighting function, said lighting LEDs (21) being able to comprise at least one LED or lighting source (21):- having a white light or a blue light or both, and / or- of the UVA type, given the lighting effect thereof, besides being luminescent and / or sanitising.

9. Household appliance (1) comprising a washing machine and / or dryer comprising a body (10) wherein at least one tub, one porthole (11), provided with a door (12), for loading the laundry to be washed and / or dried inside a drum (13), a user interface (14) for the settings of the washing and / or drying processes of the laundry, is housed, characterised in that it further comprises a retrofitting or upgrading kit in accordance with one or more of the claims 1 to 8, said at least one sanitisation device (2) of said retrofitting or upgrading kit being inserted and fixed in at least one housing seat arranged on said household appliance (1).

10. Household appliance (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said housing seat is obtained in the proximity of said porthole (11) or of the frame that defmes / delimits it and / or of the gasket provided for on said frame.

11. Household appliance (3) comprising a dishwasher machine comprising a body (30) adapted to define a washing chamber (300), wherein the dishes are positioned on appropriate means for the washing and drying process, a door (31) for loading / unloading said dishes, a user interface (32) for the settings of the washing processes, characterised in that it further comprises a retrofitting or upgrading kit in accordance with one or more of the claims 1 to 8, said at least one sanitisation device (2) of said retrofitting or upgrading kit being inserted and fixed in at least one housing seat arranged on said household appliance (1).

12. Household appliance (3) according to the previous claim, wherein said housing seat is obtained on the body of said dishwasher (3), preferably it is obtained on the sides or on the ceiling of said washing chamber (300).

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